Durham, NC – M20 Genomics is pleased to announce the installation of its VITA Single-Cell Full-Length Transcriptome Platform in our collaboration labs at Duke University School of Medicine, significantly enhancing the research tools available to local teams. This strategic partnership with our esteemed collaborating research groups substantially advances the scientific resources at Duke University School of Medicine, enabling precise transcriptomic profiling at the single-cell level and providing detailed insights into cellular mechanisms.   Fully operational VITA platform in on of our collaboration labs at Duke University School of Medicine.   Unlocking New Frontiers in Single-Cell Analysis with Enhanced Capabilities Following the successful deployment of the VITA platform, our technical team has provided comprehensive training for Duke researchers. This training encompassed experimental protocols, instrument and reagent usage, and proficiency in data analysis software, ensuring optimal utilization of the platform's advanced capabilities. The integration of the VITA platform further strengthens the research infrastructure at Duke University School of Medicine, facilitating single-cell transcriptomic profiling across diverse sample types.   Duke researcher conducting single-cell RNA sequencing with VITA platform. Utilizing innovative random primer-based M20 Seq® technology, the VITA platform offers unparalleled sample coverage. It accommodates a wide range of sample types, including fresh, frozen, and FFPE samples. Its…

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is transforming our comprehension of cellular mechanisms, and has become indispensable in clinical studies over the past decades [1-4]. However, the procurement of fresh samples, a commonly held requirement for most scRNA-Seq technologies, comes with significant challenges for clinical studies. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples, commonly used in clinical settings for long-term storage, have been largely incompatible with conventional single-cell transcriptome methods due to the extensive RNA cross-linking and fragmentation caused by the fixation process. As a result, the majority of single-cell technologies have been unable to effectively analyze FFPE samples, limiting researchers' ability to leverage the wealth of clinical specimens available for study. The recent development of the novel single-cell transcriptome technology M20 Seq®, alongside the VITA single-cell transcriptome product series, which are compatible with FFPE samples, provides a groundbreaking solution. This significant advancement allows researchers to leverage existing clinical archives for biomedical research, expanding the scope of clinical studies and enhancing our understanding of disease mechanisms.   FFPE Samples: The Hidden Treasure FFPE samples have long served as a critical resource in clinical studies and diagnostics, widely collected and stored in clinical settings. Their long-term preservation capacity and widespread availability make them indispensable for retrospective and longitudinal studies…

The environment is essential for our health and well-being, providing essential resources such as clean air, water, and fertile soil, while sustaining the ecological balance. Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has served as an annual reminder of our obligation to protect our planet and has mobilized global efforts to address environmental issues. This year's theme, 'Planet vs. Plastic,' casts a spotlight on one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our century. The forecast surge in plastic production, from 9.2 billion tons between 1950 and 2017 to 34 billion tons by 2050, underscores the magnitude of the challenge[1]. Plastic poses a significant environmental threat throughout its lifecycle, with its production alone accounting for 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2019[2]. Additionally, the release of harmful additives from plastics, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, contaminates ecosystems and poses health risks. Once discarded, plastic waste persists for hundreds or thousands of years, accumulating in landfills and infiltrating ecosystems worldwide. The widespread use of plastics has led to a staggering increase in global annual plastic waste, doubling from 156 million tons in 2000 to 353 million tons in 2019. Projections indicate that this figure could triple by 2060…

Pathological research assays, including histological, IHC, and in situ genomics analyses, frequently utilize formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. Biorepositories and pathology departments worldwide house millions of these samples, offering an extensive collection of readily available specimens for in-depth analysis. However, despite their prevalence, FFPE samples pose challenges due to molecular cross-linking and nucleic acid degradation during preservation. Single-cell RNA Sequencing (scRNA-seq) on clinical FFPE specimens promises breakthroughs in precision diagnostics, treatment strategies, and prognostic insights for human diseases. However, challenges persist in isolating intact cells or nuclei and capturing RNA from FFPE tissues. Until today, few commercial platforms are available that enable scRNA-seq in these precious but challenging samples. With the introduction of M20 VITA technology in August 2022, alongside our VITA product series, we've provided a solution to access the valuable information stored in these samples. Using random primers, M20 VITA overcomes the boundaries of  other scRNA-seq technologies that mostly rely on poly(A) tails for RNA capture. As these structures are prone to chemical modification and degradation, the capabilities to obtain quality data from FFPE samples using technologies based on poly(A) capture are limited. In parallel, 10x Genomics introduced the Chromium Single Cell Gene Expression Flex  (from here on called 10x…

In 1946, a historic gathering of 61 nations convened heralding to establish the World Health Organization (WHO), marking a pivotal moment in global health governance. Just two years later, the WHO officially came into existence on April 7th, 1948, marking a monumental leap in international efforts to combat global health challenges. Since 1950, April 7th has been recognized as World Health Day, serving as an annual reminder of our collective commitment to prioritize global health and tackling the most urgent health issues of our time. The theme for World Health Day 2024, "My Health, My Right," emphasizes the urgent need to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all individuals, irrespective of socio-economic background or geographic location. This powerful call to action urges us all to uphold and defense the right to health for every individual. As we strive to extend healthcare access to everyone, we're faced with the daunting challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)—one of the foremost threats to public health in the 21st century. A study published in The Lancet highlighted the devastating impact of AMR, with approximately 1.27 million deaths directly attributed to antimicrobial resistant infections in 2019, and an additional 4.95 million deaths indirectly linked to this phenomenon[1]. The WHO's predictive models suggest a worrisome scenario, forecasting that, fatalities…

In the rapidly evolving landscape of single-cell transcriptome analysis, precision and accuracy are paramount. Researchers worldwide are increasingly turning to innovative technologies to dissect the complex cellular landscape with unprecedented resolution. Among these advancements, M20 Genomics distinguishes itself with its pioneering VITA Single-Cell Full-Length Transcriptome Sequencing Platform. In August 2022, M20 Genomics unveiled "M20 Seq®" along with the VITA Single-Cell Full-Length Transcriptome Sequencing Platform, redefining the boundaries of single-cell transcriptomics. The VITA platform offers unparalleled features, including comprehensive compatibility across various species and sample types, coupled with full transcriptome capture, thereby greatly expanding the scope of single-cell technology and enabling researchers to explore uncharted territories of cellular heterogeneity. Diverging from poly(A)-based single-cell transcriptome technologies, the VITA platform operates on the principle of random primers. While this unique approach enhances single-cell transcriptome analysis, it poses potential challenges in cell type annotation. The divergence from traditional poly(A)-based single-cell transcriptome necessitates optimized annotation tools tailored to the distinct characteristics of random primer-based single-cell transcriptome data.    Navigating Complexity: Equipped with VITA CytBase and VITA Biscuit To address this challenge, we have developed VITA CytBase, a database meticulously designed for precise annotation of cell types using data derived from the VITA platform. VITA CytBase offers a comprehensive suite of annotation capabilities specially designed…

Introduction Over the last two decades, the gut microbiome has emerged as a prominent research field, revealing its pivotal role in human physiology and its significant association with various diseases [1-3]. However, our understanding of the intricate functional mechanisms within the gut microbiome remains incomplete and current applied methodologies often rely on bulked analyses, offering only insights based on averaged data and lack sensitivity to detect nuanced dynamics and diverse functions present within complex microbial communities. In November 2023, we launched VITA GutMicrobiome, our pioneering single-bacterial transcriptome product designed for the gut microbiome. Our cutting-edge  solution enables accurate barcoding of each individual bacterium in gut microbiome samples, improving the efficiency and accuracy of  of bacterial transcriptome analysis by clearly identifying the cellular origin of each sequenced fragment and eliminating the need for culture processes. Moreover, the high-resolution data for single bacterial transcriptomes offer an advantage in resolving functional heterogeneity even within homogeneous populations, serving as a powerful analytical tool at the single-cell level. Here, we showcase the exceptional performance of our VITA GutMicrobiome product through single-bacteria transcriptome analysis on a fecal sample from a healthy human individual. Practical Application and Performance Assessment of VITA GutMicrobiome The workflow commenced with the…

In March 2022, we proudly unveiled our innovative high-throughput single-bacterium RNA sequencing technology, MscRNA Seq (incooperated in M20 Seq®) alongside the VITApilote® High-Throughput Single-Bacterium Transcriptome Kit. Our groundbreaking advancement sparked a transformative shift in microbiological research towards single-bacterium transcriptomics. As scientific exploration in microbiology ventures into unknown territories with increased complexity and precision, particularly within the intricate realm of gut microbiota, we have committed to confronting emerging challenges and facilitating a deeper understanding of this vital microbial community. We are thrilled to present the latest addition to our VITA single-cell transcriptome product family - VITA GutMicrobiome (Figure 1). This product stands as the world's first high-throughput single-bacterium transcriptomic solution designed for gut microbiome studies, empowering researchers to gain comprehensive insights into the intricate world of gut microbiota. Figure 1. VITA GutMicrobiome product The introduction of VITA GutMicrobiome marks the addition of a powerful tool available to researchers studying the functionality of gut microbiota. By expanding the scope of analysis to the single-cell level, this breakthrough holds the potential to significantly advance comprehensive investigations in various fields, including gut microbiota functions, live biotherapeutic products, fecal microbiota transplantation, microbiota-drug interactions, and beyond.   The Current Status of Gut Microbiota Research The gut…

In August 2022, we proudly introduced M20 Seq®, our revolutionary single-cell sequencing technology based on random primers, setting a new standard in comprehensive transcriptome analysis. Accompanying this innovation was the launch of our VITA Single-Cell Full-Length Transcriptome Sequencing Platform, enabling the comprehensive exploration of whole transcriptomes across diverse sample types and species. Our dedication to scientific progress extends beyond existing technologies. Acknowledging the intricate multidimensional complexities of biological mechanisms, which span both the temporal and spatial scale, we are inspired to foster novel and comprehensive insights into their complex organization and regulation. This commitment fuels our continuous efforts to deliver innovative approaches that push the boundaries of current technologies, paving the way for pioneering discoveries that will shape the future of biomedicine. We are thrilled to present a groundbreaking advancement: 'M20 Spatial' – our revolutionary spatial whole transcriptome solution, powered by our random-primer technology. M20 Spatial marks a groundbreaking shift in spatial transcriptomics, expanding species applicability and sample type compatability, improving RNA capture efficiency, and enhancing sequence coverage. With M20 Spatial, we empower the scientific community to delve deeper into the spatial and temporal dimensions of cellular processes, driving advancements and leading discoveries at the forefront of biomedical research. Embrace…

In August 2022, M20 Genomics officially launched "M20 Seq®" a groundbreaking single-cell sequencing technology based on random primers. The introduction of this cutting-edge technology signifies the onset of a new era in single-cell sequencing, extending beyond scientific research towards the prospect of future clinical applications. Leveraging the M20 Seq® technology, M20 Genomics has simultaneously introduced the VITA series - a revolutionary high-throughput single-cell sequencing product line. With the capability for (ultra) high-throughput transcriptome sequencing across an extensive spectrum of samples, species, and full-length transcriptome capture, VITA significantly enhances detection sensitivity and broadly expands the application scope of single-cell technology.   A Glimpse into the Current Possibilities and Challenges of Single-Cell Technology With its capacity to dissect cellular heterogeneity within complex tissues, single-cell sequencing has surpassed the constraints of traditional bulk transcriptome sequencing. Widely adopted for cellular atlas construction, it is also gaining prominence in clinical research. Furthermore, its potential spans early disease detection, monitoring, and personalized medicine in fields like oncology, immunology, and neuroscience. Despite achieving technological breakthroughs in high-throughput and multi-omics approaches, challenges persist for single-cell sequencing technology. Issues such as low sensitivity and high costs pose critical barriers to the advancement of single-cell-related research. While most high-throughput single-cell…

In March 2022, M20 Genomics proudly launched MscRNA-seq (Microbial-single-cell RNA sequencing). This pioneering platform marks a significant leap as single-cell transcriptome sequencing technology enters the commercial stage within the field of microbial research. The availability of MscRNA-seq facilitates the transcendence of current technological constraints, enabling the comprehensive study of bacterial drug resistance and persistence mechanisms, pathogenicity, and intricate bacterial-host interactions.   The Current State of Single-Cell Sequencing Technology Single-cell sequencing technology has emerged as a powerful tool for detecting gene expression and other information at the level of individual cells. This innovation addresses a critical limitation in traditional research methodologies, where sequencing bulked samples from tissues or cell populations can mask the transcriptional heterogeneity between individual cells by averaging across a population. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is emerging as one of the major public health problems of this century. In its 2014 Global Antimicrobial Resistance Report, the World Health Organization (WHO) disclosed that drug-resistant bacterial infections claimed over 700,000 lives globally within a single year. Predictive models suggest a worrisome scenario, projecting that by 2050, fatalities from antibiotic resistant bacterial infections could exceed 10 million per year, surpassing even the projected 8.2 million cancer-related deaths for the same period. The heterogeneity…